Marrocco lost all four limbs in a 2009 roadside bomb attack in Iraq. He received his arms for the transplant from a deceased donor. According to the Department of Defense, he is one of seven patients in the United States to have successfully undergone a double arm transplant.

Marrocco held a news conference with his doctors at Johns Hopkins, which aired live on The Pentagon Channel. He said of the transplant:

"It's given me a lot of hope for the future. I feel like I've been given a second chance."

Marrocco has no feeling or movement in his hands yet. But plastic surgeon Dr. W.P. Andrew Lee said Marrocco's nerves would regenerate at a maximum speed of one inch per month.

Marrocco told reporters he is extremely grateful to the family of his donor:

"I'm humbled by their gift... Thank you."

Marrocco said he hopes to be able to drive a car again at some point. He also wants to one day compete in a hand-cycle marathon.

When asked by a reporter which actor he'd want to play him in a movie about his life, Marrocco said with a twinkle in his eye:

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